System and apparatus for silencing communication devices

ABSTRACT

A system and method for silencing communication devices is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a silencing system having a controller element to transmit an RF signal to an RF receiver of a mobile communication device. An audible alerting function of the mobile communication device can be adjusted in response to the RF signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/735,332, entitled “System And Apparatus ForSilencing Communication Devices,” filed Apr. 13, 2007, and assigned tothe same assignee as this application. The aforementioned patentapplication is expressly incorporated herein, in its entirety, byreference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems, andmore specifically to a system and method for silencing communicationdevices.

BACKGROUND

Wireless communications has expanded to where mobile communicationdevices can be seen in virtually any location. Audible alerts for suchdevices can vary from the typical ring tone to various types of music.In certain venues, such audible alerts are deemed inappropriate or areprohibited. In other venues, use of the mobile communication device isdeemed inappropriate or prohibited. Signage and other noticesinstructing users to adjust the communication devices to a silent or offstate are not always effective, especially in high traffic areas.

A need therefore arises for a system and method for silencingcommunication devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a communication system;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a silencing system;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary block diagram of one of several embodimentsfor a communication device operating in the systems of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary method operating in portions of the systemsof FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, whenexecuted, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure provide a systemand apparatus for silencing communication devices.

In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication devicecan have a controller element to receive a silencing signal from an RFIDdevice of the communication device. The RFID device can provide thesilencing signal in response to an RF signal received from a remote RFtransmitter. The controller element can also present one or moresilencing options in response to the silencing signal, receive aselection corresponding to one of the one or more silencing options, andadjust an audible alerting function of the communication deviceresponsive to the selection of the one or more silencing options.

In a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a silencing system canhave a controller element to transmit an RF signal to an RF receiver ofa mobile communication device. An audible alerting function of themobile communication device can be adjusted in response to the RFsignal.

In a third embodiment of the present disclosure, an RFID device can havea controller element to receive an RF signal from a remote RFtransmitter, and provide a silencing signal to the mobile communicationdevice in response to the RF signal. An audible alerting function of themobile communication device can be silenced in response to the silencingsignal.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a mobile communication device116 communicating by way of wireless access points (WAPs) with othercommunication devices and/or a network proxy or web server 122 whichcollectively operate in a communication system 100. The communicationdevice 116 can be a multimode VoIP terminal. However, the presentdisclosure contemplates the use of other types of communication devices,including other types of voice, video and data devices. Thecommunication system 100 can comprise a packet-switched network 105. Thepacket-switched network can be an Internet Service Provider (ISP)network 105. The network 105 can be coupled to the network proxy 122,the cellular network 113 and network elements located in one or more ofthe buildings 112 representing an enterprise or residence. The ISPnetwork 105 can utilize common technology for transporting Internettraffic.

In an enterprise setting, the building 112 can include a gateway 114that provides voice and/or video connectivity services betweencommunication devices 116, such as VoIP terminals or other forms ofcommunication devices of enterprise personnel. In a residential setting,the building 112 can include a gateway 114 represented by, for example,a residential gateway coupled to central office 106 utilizingconventional telephonic switching for processing calls with thirdparties.

The network proxy 122 can be used to control operations of a mediagateway 109, the central office 106 and the gateway 114. Communicationsbetween the network proxy 122, the communication devices 116 and othernetwork elements of the communication system 100 can conform to anynumber of signaling protocols such as a session initiation protocol(SIP), SS7, or a video communications protocol such as H.323 whichcombines video and voice over a packet-switched network, as well ascryptographic protocols, such as transport layer security (TLS) orsecure sockets layer (SSL), to provide secure communications for datatransfers.

The network proxy 122 can comprise a communications interface 124 thatutilizes common technology for communicating over an IP interface withthe network 105, the media gateway 109, the cellular network 113, and/orthe gateway 114. By way of the communications interface 124, the networkproxy 122 can direct by common means any of the foregoing networkelements to establish packet switched data, voice, and/or videoconnections between communication devices 116 distributed throughout thecommunication system 100. The network proxy 122 can further comprise amemory 126 (such as a high capacity storage medium) embodied in thisillustration as a database, and a controller 128 that makes use ofcomputing technology such as a desktop computer, or scalable server forcontrolling operations of the network proxy 122. The network proxy 122can operate as an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) conforming in part toprotocols defined by standards bodies such as 3GPP (Third GenerationPartnership Protocol).

Under the control of the network proxy 122, the media gateway 109 canlink packet-switched and circuit-switched technologies such as thecellular network 113 (or central office 106) and the network 105, suchas an ISP network. The media gateway 109 can conform to a media gatewaycontrol protocol (MGCP) also known as H.248 defined by work groups inthe Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). This protocol can handlesignaling and session management needed during a multimedia conference.The protocol defines a means of communication which converts data fromthe format required for a circuit-switched network to that required fora packet-switched network. MGCP can therefore be used to set up,maintain, and terminate calls between multiple disparate networkelements of the communication system 100. The media gateway 109 cantherefore support hybrid communication environments for communicationdevices 116, including VoIP terminals.

The central office 106 can house common network switching equipment fordistributing local and long-distance telecommunication services suppliedby network 105 to buildings 112 (such as dwellings or commercialenterprises). Telecommunication services of the central office 106 caninclude traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) and broadbandservices such as HDTV, DSL, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), IPTV(Internet Protocol Television), Internet services, and so on. Thecommunication system 100 can utilize common computing and communicationstechnologies to support circuit-switched and/or packet-switchedcommunications.

The cellular network 113 can support voice and data services over anumber of access technologies such as GSM-GPRS, EDGE, CDMA-1X, UMTS,WiMAX, software defined radio (SDR), and other known and futuretechnologies. The cellular network 113 can be coupled to base stations127 under a frequency-reuse plan for communicating over-the-air withroaming VoIP terminals 116.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a silencing system 200embodying a RF silencing service. Silencing system 200 can be overlaidor operably coupled with communication system 100. Silencing system 200comprises a location, illustrated in this exemplary embodiment as abuilding 212, where it is desirable to silence mobile communicationdevices 116, including audible alert functions, such as ring tones. Thebuilding 212 can include various quiet settings, such as court houses,libraries, hospitals, movie theaters, schools, churches and so on. Forpurposes of illustration, the quiet location will be referred to hereinas building 212, but one of ordinary skill in the art would recognizethat the quiet location can include other areas that may or may not bean indoor venue, such as a park or cemetery.

Building 212 can comprise one or more radio frequency (RF) transmitters230 that transmit RF signals for receipt by communication devices 116that are passing or are in proximity thereto. The RF transmitters 230can have components, including integrated circuits and antennas, thatprovide for transmission of the RF signals at desired levels and/ordesired intervals. In one embodiment, the RF transmitters 230 repeatedlytransmit the RF signals.

The RF transmitter 230 can be positioned at various locations ofbuilding 212, such as at an entrance of the building. The strength orrange of the RF signals can be set so that those communication devices116 entering or in the building 212 receive the RF signal, but moreremote communication devices, such as in an adjacent building orlocation where audible alerting functions or use of the device arepermissible, do not receive the RF signal.

In one embodiment, a plurality of RF transmitters 230 are positioned atstrategic locations in the building 212, such as at all of the entrancesand at all of the exits. The RF transmitters 230 can be ingresstransmitters and egress transmitters, where the ingress transmitters cantransmit a first RF signal, such as for disabling the audible alertingfunction of the communication devices 116 and the egress transmitterscan transmit a second RF signal, such as for enabling the audiblealerting function. In another embodiment, the RF transmitters 230 canhave RF receivers for receipt of RF signals from the communicationdevices 116 and/or separate RF receivers can be positioned in building212 for receipt of the RF signals from the communication devices 116.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the wireless communicationdevice 116. The communication device 116 can comprise a wirelesstransceiver 302, a user interface (UI) 304, a power supply 314, and acontroller 306 for managing operations thereof. The transceiver 302 canutilize common technologies to support singly or in combination anynumber of wireless access technologies including without limitationcordless phone technology (e.g., DECT), Bluetooth™, Wireless Fidelity(WiFi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), UltraWide Band (UWB), software defined radio (SDR), and cellular accesstechnologies such as CDMA-1X, W-CDMA/HSDPA, UMTS, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE,and EVDO. SDR can be utilized for accessing a public or privatecommunication spectrum according to any number of communicationprotocols that can be dynamically downloaded over-the-air to thecommunication device 116. It should be noted also that next generationwireless access technologies can be applied to the present disclosure.

The UI 304 can include a keypad 308 with depressible or touch sensitivenavigation disk and keys for manipulating operations of thecommunication device 116. The UI 304 can further include a display 310such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for conveyingimages to the end user of the communication device 116, and an audiosystem 312 that utilizes common audio technology for conveying andintercepting audible signals of the end user.

The power supply 314 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable batteries, supply regulation technologies, andcharging system technologies for supplying energy to the components ofthe communication device 116 and to facilitate portable applications. Instationary applications, the power supply 314 can be modified so as toextract energy from a common wall outlet and thereby supply DC power tothe components of the communication device 116. The controller 306 canutilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor and/or digitalsignal processor (DSP) with associated storage memory such a Flash, ROM,RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other like technologies for controlling operations ofthe aforementioned components of the communication device 116.

The communication device 116 can comprise a RF device 316. The RF device316 can be integrated into the housing of the communication device 116or can be connectable, including removably connectable, to thecommunication device, such as in an identity module including asubscriber identity module (SIM) card, a universal subscriber identitymodule (USIM) card, a removable user identification module (RUIM) cardor a Willcom-SIM (W-SIM) card. The RF device 316 can have componentsthat allow for the receipt of RF signals, including an integratedcircuit and antenna. In another embodiment, the RF device 316 can be anintegral part of transceiver 302.

The RF device 316 can be coupled to or in communication with thecontroller 306 of the communication device 116 for transmitting one ormore signals to the controller. The RF 316 device can comprisecomponents, such as a RF transmitter, that allow for the transmission ofsignals to other RF receivers, including remote RF receivers. In oneembodiment, the RF device 316 can comprise an RFID tag or transponder.The RFID tag of RF device 316 can communicate information, includingidentification information associated with the communication device 116.

The RF device 316 can be an active or passive device. In one embodiment,the RF device 316 can be connected to the power supply 314 of thecommunication device 116. The RF device 316 can have a memory, such asfor storage of data representative of receipt of one or more RF signals.The memory can be separate from the memory of the controller 306 or canbe incorporated therein. In passive applications, the RF device 316 canbe powered by the radiant energy of an RF signal intercepted thereby.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary method 400 operating in portions of thesystems 100 and 200. Method 400 has variants as depicted by the dashedlines. It would be apparent to an artisan with ordinary skill in the artthat other embodiments not depicted in FIG. 4 are possible withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims described below.

Method 400 can begin with step 402 in which RF transmitter 230 cantransmit a first RF signal in step 402. The frequency, duration and/orinterval of the RF signal can be selected based upon a number of factorsincluding the amount of traffic at the location and the particularenvironment. In step 404, a passing or targeted communication device 116can receive the RF signal. In one embodiment, while the communicationdevice 116 is off, i.e., in an off-state, the RF signal or datarepresentative of receipt of the RF signal can be captured by a passiveRF device 316 and stored in memory by the communication device, such asthe memory of the RF device 316 and/or the memory of controller 306.

In response to the RF signal, in step 408 the communication device 116can present to the user one or more options for silencing thecommunication device, including switching to a vibration and/or textmode, as well as turning the communication device to the off-state. Itshould be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that thepresent disclosure considers turning the communication device 116 to theoff-state as being an adjustment to the audible alerting function of thedevice, whether or not the audible alert is switched to a non-audiblealert.

In step 410, the communication device 116 can determine whether the userhas selected one of the silencing options. If a silencing option hasbeen selected then in step 412 the audible alerting function of thecommunication device 116 can be adjusted according to the user'sselection. If on the other hand, a user has not selected a silencingoption, the communication device 116 can maintain the currentpresentation of the silencing options or can present the options againto the user. The options can be presented in a display of thecommunication device 116 or by other techniques, and can be presented incombination with other techniques, such as a distinctive ring tone.

In one embodiment, a user can pre-select a silencing option. Afterreceipt of the first RF signal back in step 404, the communicationdevice 116 can determine whether a pre-selection silencing optionexists, as in step 414. If a pre-selection silencing option exists, thenthe audible alerting function of the communication device 116 can beadjusted according to the pre-selection, as back in step 412. If on theother hand, a pre-selection silencing option does not exist, then thecommunication device 116 can present the silencing options, as back instep 408.

In another embodiment, the communication device 116 can automaticallyselect a silencing option if a user does not timely select an option. Instep 416, the communication device 116 can determine whether a selectiontime period has expired without any selection being made. If the timeperiod has expired, then the communication device 116 can automaticallyselect one of the silencing options in step 418. The auto-selection canbe of any of the non-audible options or can be according to apre-selection of one of the options by a user.

A second RF signal can be transmitted by the RF transmitter 230 or adifferent RF transmitter in step 420 so that the communication device116 can be switched to a non-silenced state, such as upon exiting thebuilding 212. In step 422, the communication device 116 can receive thesecond RF signal and in step 422 the audible alerting function of thecommunication device can be adjusted in response to the receipt of thesecond RF signal, such as switching to a ring tone mode and/or turningthe communication device to an on-state.

From the foregoing descriptions, it would be evident to an artisan withordinary skill in the art that the aforementioned embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope andspirit of the claims described below. For example, the communicationdevice 116 can automatically switch to a silent state without presentingany silencing options to a user. The communication device 116 can alsopresent options to a user upon receipt of the second RF signal, such asswitching to an audible alert or maintaining the current alert. A usercan also be presented with an option, either as a pre-selection or uponreceipt of an RF signal, to override any adjustment to the audiblealerting function of the communication device. The first and second RFsignals can be different signals that are distinguishable by thecommunication device 116 as instructions for silencing or non-silencingadjustments. In certain environments, these RF signals can also be thesame but the communication device 116 can distinguish between an ingresssignal and an egress signal based upon message content or time ofreceipt, such as any subsequent signal received after a pre-determinedtime period can be assumed to be an egress signal.

The RF silencing system 200 can be implemented through retro-fittingcommunication devices 116 that already have RFID tags, such as bycomputer technology that can instruct the controller 306 of thecommunication device to make the desired adjustment based upon receiptof the RF signal associated with the RFID tag. The information from theRFID tag can also be used in combination with the RF silencing system200, such as the RFID tag indicating that a communication device 116belongs to emergency personnel and allowing an override of the audiblealerting function by that particular user.

These are but a few examples of the modifications that can be applied tothe present disclosure without departing from the scope of the claims.Accordingly, the reader is directed to the claims for a fullerunderstanding of the breadth and scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 500 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed above. In some embodiments, the machine operatesas a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may beconnected (e.g., using a network) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient user machine in server-client user network environment, or as apeer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or anymachine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a device of the present disclosure includes broadly anyelectronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shallalso be taken to include any collection of machines that individually orjointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform anyone or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The computer system 500 may include a processor 502 (e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a mainmemory 504 and a static memory 506, which communicate with each othervia a bus 508. The computer system 500 may further include a videodisplay unit 510 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, asolid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system500 may include an input device 512 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 514 (e.g., a mouse), a mass storage medium 516, a signalgeneration device 518 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a networkinterface device 520.

The mass storage medium 516 may include a computer-readable storagemedium 522 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 524) embodying any one or more of the methodologies orfunctions described herein, including those methods illustrated above.The computer-readable storage medium 522 can be an electromechanicalmedium such as a common disk drive, or a mass storage medium with nomoving parts such as Flash or like non-volatile memories. Theinstructions 524 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 504, the static memory 506, and/or within theprocessor 502 during execution thereof by the computer system 500. Themain memory 504 and the processor 502 also may constitutecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatusand systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety ofelectronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions intwo or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices withrelated control and data signals communicated between and through themodules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit.Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, andhardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein are intended for operation as software programsrunning on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementationscan include, but not limited to, distributed processing orcomponent/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtualmachine processing can also be constructed to implement the methodsdescribed herein.

The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containinginstructions 524, or that which receives and executes instructions 524from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a networkenvironment 526 can send or receive voice, video or data, and tocommunicate over the network 526 using the instructions 524. Theinstructions 524 may further be transmitted or received over a network526 via the network interface device 520.

While the computer-readable storage medium 522 is shown in an exampleembodiment to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable storagemedium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media(e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated cachesand servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include anymedium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set ofinstructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine toperform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

The term “computer-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be takento include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memorycard or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile)memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile)memories; magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape;and/or a digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives is considered a distributionmedium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of acomputer-readable storage medium or a distribution medium, as listedherein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, inwhich the software implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodicallysuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocolshaving the same functions are considered equivalents.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Otherembodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structuraland logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representationaland may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may beexaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merelyfor convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope ofthis application to any single invention or inventive concept if morethan one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separately claimed subject matter.

1. A communication device, comprising a controller element to: receive asilencing signal from an RFID device of the communication device, theRFID device providing the silencing signal in response to an RF signalreceived from a remote RF transmitter; present one or more silencingoptions in response to the silencing signal; receive a selectioncorresponding to one of the one or more silencing options; and adjust anaudible alerting function of the communication device responsive to theselection of the one or more silencing options; wherein the RFID devicestores the silencing signal in its memory while the communication deviceis in an off-state, and wherein the RFID device presents the silencingsignal to the controller element responsive to an on-state of thecommunication device.
 2. The communication device of claim 1, whereinthe controller element presents the one or more silencing options by wayof a display of the communication device.
 3. The communication device ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more silencing options comprise at least oneamong a vibration mode, a text mode and an off-state of thecommunication device.
 4. The communication device of claim 1, whereinthe controller element adjusts the communication device to at least oneamong a vibration mode, a text mode and an off-state of thecommunication device when the selection of the one or more silencingoptions is not received in a specified time period.
 5. The communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein the RF signal is a first RF signal andwherein the controller element: receives a non-silencing signal from theRFID device, the non-silencing signal being provided by the RFID devicein response to receipt of a second RF signal; and adjusts the audiblealerting function of the communication device responsive to thenon-silencing signal.
 6. The communication device of claim 5, whereinthe adjustment of the communication device responsive to thenon-silencing signal comprises at least one among a ring tone mode andan on-state of the communication device.
 7. The communication device ofclaim 1, wherein the RF signal is a first RF signal and wherein thecontroller element: receives a non-silencing signal from the RFIDdevice, wherein the RFID device provides the non-silencing signal inresponse to a second RF signal; presents one or more non-silencingoptions in response to the non-silencing signal; receives a selectioncorresponding to one of the one or more non-silencing options; andadjusts the audible alerting function of the communication deviceresponsive to the selection of the one or more non-silencing options. 8.The communication device of claim 1, wherein the RFID device comprisesone among an active and a passive RFID device.
 9. A silencing system,comprising a controller element to transmit an RF signal to an RFreceiver of a mobile communication device, wherein an audible alertingfunction of the mobile communication device is adjusted in response tothe RF signal, wherein the RF receiver of the mobile communicationdevice stores a silencing signal in a memory of the RF receiver inresponse to detecting the RF signal when the mobile communication deviceis in an off-state, and wherein the RF receiver presents the silencingsignal to the mobile communication device responsive to an on-state ofthe mobile communication device.
 10. The silencing system of claim 9,wherein the RF signal corresponds to a silencing signal, and wherein themobile communication device presents one or more silencing options inresponse to the silencing signal, and wherein the mobile communicationdevice is silenced in response to a selection of the one or moresilencing options.
 11. The silencing system of claim 10, wherein theaudible alerting function of the mobile communication device is adjustedto one among a vibration mode, a text mode and an off-state of themobile communication device when the selection of the one or moresilencing options is not received in a specified time period.
 12. Thesilencing system of claim 9, wherein the RF signal corresponds to asilencing request, and wherein the mobile communication device issilenced based at least in part on a pre-selection of silencing optionscomprising at least one among a vibration mode, a text mode and anoff-state of the mobile communication device.
 13. The silencing systemof claim 9, wherein the RF signal corresponds to a non-silencing signal,and wherein the audible alerting function of the mobile communicationdevice is adjusted in response to said non-silencing signal.
 14. Thesilencing system of claim 13, wherein the audible alerting function ofthe mobile communication device is adjusted to at least one among a ringtone mode and an on-state of the mobile communication device in responseto the non-silencing signal.
 15. The silencing system of claim 9,wherein the RF receiver comprises one among an active RFID device and apassive RFID device.
 16. An RFID device, comprising a controller elementto: receive an RF signal from a remote RF transmitter; and provide asilencing signal to a mobile communication device in response to the RFsignal, wherein an audible alerting function of the mobile communicationdevice is silenced in response to the silencing signal, wherein thesilencing signal is stored in a memory of the RFID device when themobile communication device is in an off-state, and wherein the RFIDdevice presents the silencing signal to the mobile communication deviceresponsive to an on-state of the mobile communication device.
 17. TheRFID device of claim 16, wherein the RF signal is a first RF signal andwherein the controller element: receives a second RF signal; andprovides a non-silencing signal to the mobile communication device inresponse to the second RF signal, wherein the audible alerting functionof the mobile communication device is adjusted in response to thenon-silencing signal.
 18. The RFID device of claim 17, wherein theaudible alerting function of the mobile communication device is adjustedto at least one among a ring tone mode and an on-state of the mobilecommunication device in response to the non-silencing signal.
 19. TheRFID device of claim 16, wherein one or more silencing options arepresented by way of a display of the mobile communication device. 20.The RFID device of claim 19, wherein the one or more silencing optionscomprise at least one among a vibration mode, a text mode and anoff-state of the mobile communication device.